a girl sitting on a red rock
Guys with tattoos and their arms outstretched in front of the lagoon
vicuñas
Chaxa Lagoon
flamingos drinking water in the lagoon
selfie with the Atacama Desert sign
Landscape with the lagoon and red rocks
Miscanti Lagoon
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Piedras Rojas Tour Atacama

One-day guided tour through the Atacama Desert

Location
San Pedro de Atacama
Duration
1 day
Language
Spanish and English
This page has been automatically translated.

Tour highlights

Piedras Rojas Tour Atacama

On the Piedras Rojas Tour from San Pedro de Atacama, you’ll discover some of the most spectacular landscapes of the Chilean Altiplano. Throughout the day, you’ll travel across the Salar de Atacama, visit lagoons located at an altitude of over 4,000 meters, and explore a landscape marked by volcanoes, salt flats, and rock formations in intense shades of red.

The tour includes stops at the Tropic of Capricorn, the Miscanti and Miñiques altiplano lagoons, and the Piedras Rojas area, next to the Salar de Talar. You’ll also have the chance to spot flamingos and other species native to the Altiplano while your guide explains the region’s flora, fauna, and landscape.

A full-day excursion to discover the diverse landscapes of the Atacama Desert, from its Altiplano lagoons and salt flats to the distinctive rock formations of Piedras Rojas.

Tour details

Piedras Rojas Tour Atacama

Starts
From your lodging in San Pedro de Atacama
Ends
In the center of San Pedro de Atacama

Included

  • Transportation
  • Guide
  • Breakfast
  • Lunch
  • Piedras Rojas and Altiplanic Lagoons Entry

Not included

  • Laguna Chaxa Entrance

Important information

RESTRICTIONS: Due to the high altitude reached during the tour, this tour is not permitted for people with heart conditions, pregnant women, or children under 8 years of age.

ALTITUDE: During the tour, you’ll reach a maximum altitude of 4,500 meters above sea level. We recommend that you do not take this tour on your first day in San Pedro de Atacama and that you spend at least one day beforehand acclimating to the altitude.

WEATHER: Early in the morning, temperatures can be very low. We recommend that you bring plenty of warm clothing, even if more pleasant temperatures are expected for the rest of the day.

Cancellation policy

Free cancellation! If you cancel at least 48 hours before the tour starts, you'll receive a 100% refund of the amount paid. After that time, or if you don't show up, no refunds will be issued.

Tour itinerary

Piedras Rojas Tour Atacama

Piedras Rojas Tour in San Pedro de Atacama

Elevation: 4 ,500 m

Pickup in San Pedro de Atacama

The Piedras Rojas San Pedro de Atacama Tour will begin with pickup at your lodging in San Pedro de Atacama. Once the group has gathered, you’ll set off for Piedras Rojas and the Altiplanic Lagoons.

Group on the Piedras Rojas San Pedro de Atacama tour

Piedras Rojas 

The Piedras Rojas area is located next to the Salar de Aguas Calientes, at an altitude of about 3,800 meters. Here, you’ll take a hike lasting about an hour and a quarter to explore its distinctive reddish rock formations, as well as the surrounding lagoons and salt flats.

Afterward, you’ll visit the Altiplano lagoons of Miscanti and Miñiques, where the guide will provide some information about the local flora and fauna.

Red Stones

Chaxa Lagoon

The next stop will be at Chaxa Lagoon. Get ready to see the flamingos! You’ll also pass through Socaire and the Tropic of Capricorn. Here you’ll have time to take some photos to remember the trip. 

Later, you’ll head to San Pedro de Atacama, where the Piedras Rojas tour will end in downtown San Pedro.

A flamingo drinking water at Chaxa Lagoon

What to bring

Piedras Rojas Tour Atacama

During the Tour Piedras Rojas San Pedro de Atacama, you’ll reach high-altitude areas where temperatures can vary considerably throughout the day. We recommend that you bring:

  • Hiking boots
  • Comfortable clothing
  • Warm clothing
  • Sunglasses
  • A cap or hat for the sun
  • Sunscreen
  • 1 liter of water
  • Cash in Chilean pesos to pay the entrance fee to Laguna Chaxa

Where does the tour start

Piedras Rojas Tour Atacama

The Piedras Rojas San Pedro de Atacama Tour begins with a pickup from your lodging in San Pedro de Atacama between 6:00 and 6:40 a.m.

At the end of the excursion, you’ll return to San Pedro de Atacama, where the tour ends at approximately 5:30 p.m.

Questions & Answers

Piedras Rojas Tour Atacama

  • What is the highest elevation reached on this hike?

    The highest elevation reached during the tour is 4,500 meters above sea level. To help with acclimatization, we recommend taking this tour after spending at least one day in San Pedro de Atacama, eating light meals, drinking plenty of water, and avoiding alcohol the day before.

  • Can I swim in the lagoons?

    No. The lagoons visited during the Piedras Rojas San Pedro de Atacama Tour are not open for swimming.

  • How many people are in the group?

    The tour is conducted in groups of up to 15 travelers.

  • Are there meal options for vegetarians, vegans, or people with celiac disease?

    Yes. Breakfast and lunch can be adapted for vegetarian, vegan, or gluten-free travelers. Please let us know when you make your reservation so we can inform the local agency.

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